The latest sod turning ceremony for Ireland’s landmark primary care programme was officiated by Taoiseach, Enda Kenny at the Claremorris site on 7 September.

Work on the new Primary Care Centre (PCC) has been underway since June and An Taoiseach was keen to see progress on site.

Speaking at a reception in the Dalton Inn Hotel following the ceremony, Mr Kenny said the new primary care centre would become a central part of the local community when it opens in the second half of 2017.

It is anticipated that the new PCC will provide a wide range of community-based services which may include GP services, dental, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and public health nursing amongst others.

Mr Kenny said: “Great thought has been put into what local services will be provided in this building. And just as much thought has been given to the building itself, ensuring elements such as energy conservation, operational needs and upkeep of the centre have been thoroughly considered.”

Among the public representatives present were Minister of State Michael Ring, TD, Dara Calleary TD, Senator John O’Mahony (whom Mr Kenny singled out for special mention for helping to bring this project to fruition), and Cllrs John Cribbin, Richard Finn, Tom Connolly, John Caulfield, Patsy O’Brien and Damien Ryan. The Taoiseach was introduced by Marie Prendergast-Condron on behalf of the HSE.